How to Clean Your AR-15: A Step-by-Step Guide
Keeping your AR-15 clean is essential for maintaining its performance and longevity. Regular cleaning ensures that your rifle functions smoothly and reliably. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you clean your AR-15 effectively.
1. Gather Your Cleaning Supplies
Before you start, make sure you have all the necessary tools and supplies:
- Cleaning rod or bore snake
- Cleaning patches
- Solvent
- Lubricant
- Nylon brushes
- Chamber brush
- Cleaning mat or old towel
- Q-tips and rags
2. Safety First
Ensure your AR-15 is unloaded. Remove the magazine and check the chamber to make sure there is no ammunition in the firearm.
3. Disassemble the Rifle
Separate the upper and lower receivers by pushing out the takedown pins. Remove the bolt carrier group and charging handle from the upper receiver.
4. Clean the Barrel
- Attach a cleaning patch soaked in solvent to your cleaning rod or bore snake.
- Run it through the barrel from the chamber end to the muzzle.
- Repeat with a dry patch to remove the solvent and loosened debris.
- Use a bore brush to scrub the inside of the barrel, followed by another dry patch.
5. Clean the Bolt Carrier Group
- Disassemble the bolt carrier group by removing the firing pin, cam pin, and bolt.
- Use a nylon brush and solvent to clean all parts, paying special attention to carbon buildup.
- Wipe everything down with a dry cloth and apply a light coat of lubricant.
6. Clean the Upper Receiver
- Use a chamber brush to clean the chamber and locking lug recesses.
- Wipe down the inside of the upper receiver with a solvent-soaked cloth, followed by a dry cloth.
7. Clean the Lower Receiver
- Wipe down the lower receiver with a solvent-soaked cloth.
- Use Q-tips to clean hard-to-reach areas.
- Apply a light coat of lubricant to the trigger assembly and other moving parts.
8. Reassemble the Rifle
- Reassemble the bolt carrier group and insert it back into the upper receiver along with the charging handle.
- Reattach the upper and lower receivers by pushing the takedown pins back in place.
9. Function Check
Perform a function check to ensure everything is working correctly. Check the safety, trigger, and bolt operation.
10. Final Wipe Down
Give your AR-15 a final wipe down with a clean cloth to remove any excess lubricant and fingerprints.
By following these steps, you can keep your AR-15 in top condition, ensuring it performs reliably every time you take it out to the range. Regular maintenance is key to the longevity and functionality of your firearm.